Tragically, 65_RedRoses' Eva Markvoort posts a goodbye video
Tragic and heartbreaking news.
Inspirational 25-year-old Eva Markvoort from New Westminster, whose struggle with cystic fibrosis was the subject of the documentary 65_RedRoses, posted a goodbye video on her blog a few days ago to announce that she is losing her valiant battle.
Although she managed to get a double-lung transplant in 2007, she continued to struggle with chronic rejection, which is the failure of a recipient's body to accept transplanted organs.
This past weekend, the documentary opened the Available Light Film Festival in Whitehorse, Yukon.
Filmmakers Philip Lyall and Nimisha Mukerji had informed me that after several screenings at the Vancouver International Film Festival (which was brought back by popular demand), numerous viewers had been inspired by her story to become organ donors.
I had the honour of meeting Eva at the Vancouver International Film Festival last year. Her enthusiasm for life was infectious, and her resilient spirit was truly admirable.
I am deeply saddened by this news, and am at a loss for words. My thoughts are with her and her family right now.
Please visit her blog to leave messages for Eva, and also to learn more about her story.
To learn more about the film or how to become an organ donor, please visit the film's Web site.
Comments
20 Comments
I.Olearnik
Feb 18, 2010 at 7:37am
Dear Eva,
I was amazed by your vitality and love of life when I waatched your video the other day. You truly are a remarkable person and I will pray for you every day .
May God bless you and keep you safe.
Irene Olearnik
me
Feb 25, 2010 at 1:08am
is Eva still with us?
ela
Feb 25, 2010 at 5:13pm
May God bless you and keep you safe.
L.Peters
Mar 18, 2010 at 4:07pm
Everyone who does, please pray for Eva right now as you read this, please. Thanks.
Leaf
Mar 27, 2010 at 11:54am
Eva passed away this morning at 930am.
Kitty Chavarie
Mar 27, 2010 at 10:26pm
SO sad for Eva's family, happy that Eva doesn't have to struggle to breathe anymore. My heart is heavy. I have pledged to help cure this awful curse by riding my bike with a group of worthy riders from Vancouver to Banff...raise as much money as possible and pedal our butts off for you and others like you Eva. We love you too
Joy Whipple
Apr 2, 2010 at 5:50am
I had never heard of Eva before today...WOW how she has touched my heart. I don't know much about being an organ donor but years ago had agreed to it just thinking it would be a good thing to do...Now I have a heart felt reason THANK YOU EVA!!!! My condolences to her family and how proud they must be of her...
Bob Trowell
Apr 2, 2010 at 6:25pm
Thank you for allowing your story to be told Eva. I heard there's been an increase in people signing donor cards. You've left a wonderful legacy. Thank you and may God keep you safe.
Helen Gabriel
Jul 27, 2010 at 12:09am
Eva may have only lived a short 25 years but look at the lives she touched! She seemed to live every day to the fullest. I didn't know who Eva was till tonight when I saw her story on CBC's Passionate Eye and she sure did touch my heart and she's been gone now for 4 months. What a brave girl! To Eva's family, I'm sorry you had to loose such a beautiful daughter and sister. As I watched, I hoped for a different ending. She touched more people and encourage more people in her 25 years than most do in a full lifetime. God Bless you!
curefinder4cf
Mar 27, 2011 at 1:37pm
Its been a year since this world became less shiny, less "red", yet love abounds. You are missed. I was re-watching your video blog and saw how hard you cried when told that 35 years from now, people will know who you are. I know now, that you thought that amazing because you wouldn't be here. Today you are as fresh as ever on my mind and in my heart. We are raising money always for a cure, hoping and praying for one to come soon. Much love to your amazingly courageous family. Blessings, Gareth's mom